What Eco-Friendly Changes Have You Made in Your Life?

Real Simple readers share their green tips.

Dirty Little Games

My husband and I bought his-and-hers composting bins and started a competition to see whose technique would yield results first. I am happy to say that, after six months, I have a healthy lead.Suzanne TennentBeverly Hills, Michigan

When bugs invaded my garden, I purchased ladybugs, which took care of them very efficiently, thereby eliminating the need for anything Mother Earth would not appreciate.Catherine BeltMontrose, Colorado

Big Turnoffs

I love to hang my laundry out on the line in the fresh air and sunshine, and I love the way my clothes smell after they’ve been drying in the breeze.Jackie HowellsFaribault, Minnesota

My husband and I switched to compact fluorescent bulbs throughout our new home nearly three years ago and have yet to change a single bulb! Even better, my darling husband also installed a motion-sensor light switch in our laundry room, which we all use as the primary entrance to the house, to combat our teens’ leaving the light on…and on…and on. It not only helps the environment but also goes a long way in lowering our electric bill.Christine LupellaBurlington, Wisconsin

My husband and I decided to stop using air-conditioning in our home. When it’s hot, we spend our time outside on our shaded patio, drinking cool beverages and thinking cool thoughts. We use fans in the house at night and haven’t missed the A/C.Susan Nagel-ReesFlanders, New Jersey

I pulled the plug on my top-loading washer and bought a front-loader. It cleans better than my old one did, it uses less water, and there seems to be less lint in the dryer trap. I like the fact that I’m helping the environment, lowering my water bill, and making my towels last longer.Kathleen RussKey West, Florida

Garden Variety

We buy as much local and organic produce as possible. This means we also eat with the seasonal changes: more root vegetables, pumpkins, potatoes, etc., in the fall and winter. And in summer everything is up for grabs! Not only is this better for our health but it’s also better for the health of our Mother Earth.Kimberly DewitBoise, Idaho

I used to try to make lots of eco-friendly changes all at once, which made me feel overwhelmed. Now my family picks one or two things to focus on, and when they have become ingrained in our lives, we pick a few more. The most thrilling change is that we got rid of our noisy lawn mower and bought a manual version. Besides reducing our carbon footprint, it gives us a light workout and is peaceful and quiet. Now we listen to the birds and children playing instead of a loud motor. And our neighbors want to chat about our choice in landscaping equipment.Ellen JordanWestfield, Massachusetts

My family removed our thirsty front lawn and planted (mostly) native, drought-resistant shrubs. Wide-spraying sprinklers have been replaced by a targeted drip irrigation system. It’s good for the environment and good for my water bill.Kelly SchaferCarlsbad, California

I plant at least two trees every spring, and I have a beehive that is fully pollinating my neighbors’ plants and producing honey.Cassie StockampIndianapolis, Indiana